Obituary of Gretta Mae Bromley

BROMLEY: Gretta Mae Bromley (Hogeland) aged 89, widow of the late Clifford Bromley, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2011 in Brandon Regional Health Centre. Gretta was born on the farm near McConnell, MB on December 8, 1922 to Horace M. Hogeland and Ida Mae Hogeland (Kidd). She had two younger brothers, Mel and Jack. Gretta moved with her parents to Brandon before she was of school age. She attended Alexandra School, Earl Oxford and Brandon Collegiate. Gretta attended Normal School in Brandon in 1941-42 and obtained her Teaching Certificate. After graduation, she taught at rural one room schools of Riverbank, Chesley and Harrow. Harrow was located in the community were she met her husband, Clifford Bromley. Gretta and Clifford were married on November 9th, 1946. They farmed in the Carnegie District in the RM of Daly, where they raised three children, Jim, Brian and Loretta. Brian and Loretta have raised five grandsons for her to enjoy: Scott Bromley, Brent Bromley, Clinton Waldon, Chris Bromley and Bryce Waldon. Gretta was actively involved in the community in WI, ACW, Hospital Aid, teaching 4H projects at both Poplar Hill and Forrest Clubs. She was always involved and interested in the activities of her children and grandchildren. She used her spare time creating a variety of beautiful handicrafts which are now treasured keepsakes to family and friends. Socially, Cliff and Gretta enjoyed many friendships playing cards, going to dances, bowling, curling, travelling and attending Harrow Community Club and Church functions. Cliff and Gretta retired to Rivers, MB in the fall of 2002, living in a life lease suite built by the Rivers Lion's Club. A year later, Cliff passed away and Gretta was to adjust to living alone. Gretta enjoyed the arrival of great-grandchildren, Scott and Janine's family of Thomas, Isaac and Bronwyn. A few more health problems began to develop and in the fall of 2008, Gretta moved to Brandon to an assisted living residence, Riverheights Terrace. At the time of Gretta's death, she was waiting in the Assiniboine Centre to be well enough to move into Fairview Home. Gretta is survived by: her children Jim Bromley (Val Cousineau), Brian Bromley (Gwen) and Loretta (Don) Waldon; her grandsons Scott (Janine) Bromley, Brent (Miranda) Bromley, Chris (Kyleigh) Bromley, Clinton (Erin) Waldon and Bryce Waldon; her great-grandchildren Thomas, Isaac and Bronwyn; her sisters-in-law Irene Hogeland and Norma Andronick; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gretta was predeceased by her parents Horace and Ida Hogeland; her loving husband Cliff Bromley; her great-granddaughter Evelyn Bromley; her two younger brothers: Mel and Jack Hogeland; and her in-laws from the Bromley family: Mary and Bill Frank, Muriel and Burt Taylor, Bill and Hazel Bromley, Ida and Idus Abney, Winifred and Roy Carter, Phyllis and Jim Williams and Margaret and Wesley Quinn. A Service of Remembrance was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, Brandon on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 at 11:30am with The Venerable Paul Curtis and Reverend Nigel Packwood officiating. Urn Bearer was grandson Scott Bromley. Interment will take place at a later date in the Roseville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gretta may be made to the St. James Anglican Church Memorial Fund, Box 279, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0 or a charity of choice.